2010 Ford Raptor: Over Thought, Under Planned

November 23, 2010

When I signed up for the Raptor this past weekend, I did so thinking I might get up into the Mojave and do a little Quail hunting. But right after I grabbed the keys there were two things I remembered that sabotaged my plans.

1) I promised my lady I'd go to the Harry Potter premier with her friends

2) I promised my lady I'd go to her friends b-day party the next night.

Crap. Complete opposite to my plans. Not every weekend goes like you may have thought.

I got selfishly giddy at the prospect of taking the Raptor up to the ol' stomping grounds in the western Mojave. But it the end, it didn't matter. The weather was terrible and it's more important to spend time with my girl (save the petty comments dear readers). Just 'cuz I was home bound on her plans doesn't mean I didn't get to enjoy the Raptor.

Tricked out Civics at the stoplight? Saw them in my rear view mirror. This truck has got juice. Stomp that gas and it growls something mean. Big puddles let by the rain were a favorite target this past weekend. Ok so they aren't sand dunes, but they were the most truck like fun I could have in the Raptor while romping in suburbia.

Using the Raptor for errands was a mixed bag, however. It has excellent road manners and is very comfortable to drive, but finding a garage or a parking space it'll fit into can be a royal pain. I dread the holiday season in the Raptor.

Looking at the Raptor in my driveway Monday morning is worth 1/2 cup of coffee in terms of getting me going. Still need another 2 cups as I'm a caffeine junkie. There will be another weekend when I can get up to the Mojave or far north on CA-395, the most beautiful stretch of non-coastal highway in California. A weekend where I can use the full capabilities of the Raptor. This past one just might have been overkill.